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The world of mental health treatments can be overwhelming when you’re trying to figure out what the right treatment is for you. It can be especially confusing when dealing with conditions like treatment-resistant depression. Fortunately, there are promising options, such as esketamine (also known as Spravato®) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy.

Understanding these treatments can empower people to make more informed decisions about their mental health care. At Columbia Associates, we offer specialized Spravato® treatment services to help our clients explore effective solutions tailored to their needs.

What Is Esketamine?

Esketamine, a derivative of ketamine, is a groundbreaking option for those struggling with treatment-resistant depression. Approved by the FDA, this nasal spray treatment acts rapidly by targeting receptors in the brain, which are believed to influence mood and cognition. This makes esketamine particularly effective for individuals who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments or antidepressants.

Known for its fast-acting benefits, esketamine often helps people feel improvements in their depression symptoms within hours of treatment. However, it’s important to understand the side effects, including dizziness, dissociation, and an increase in blood pressure. Esketamine should always be administered under medical supervision.

Is Esketamine Right for You?

A number of factors can help you determine whether esketamine could be right for you, however it’s essential to receive a professional recommendation before moving forward with any therapeutic medications. Here are some of the mental health concerns that typically benefit from esketamine:

• Treatment-resistant depression
• Major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation
• Depression that hasn’t responded to other medications

Esketamine may not be for everyone. Your therapist may recommend other treatments based on the unique factors that make up your situation.

What Is TMS Therapy?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy offers an alternative for treating depression. Unlike esketamine, TMS does not involve medication but instead uses magnetic pulses to stimulate nerve cells in the brain associated with mood control. This therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer a drug-free option or have not responded well to antidepressants in the past.

TMS sessions are typically conducted on an outpatient basis, each session lasting about 30 to 40 minutes. After that, clients can resume their daily activities immediately after treatment, as TMS is known for minimal side effects, with any that emerge subsiding quickly. Some of the mental health concerns that benefit from TMS therapy include:

• Major depressive disorder
• Depression without adequate response to medications
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

A clear difference between esketamine and TMS therapy lies in the fact that esketamine is a medication, and TMS therapy is a procedure that does not require clients to take anything. Therefore, TMS therapy might be advantageous to those with a personal preference for substance-free treatments, who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or wanting to avoid certain side effects.

Choosing Between Esketamine and TMS

When it comes to choosing between esketamine and TMS, several factors may influence the decision. Esketamine is known for its rapid onset of action, making it appealing for individuals seeking quick relief from depressive symptoms. On the other hand, TMS offers a non-invasive, medication-free alternative with a proven track record of working effectively.

Both treatments have unique advantages and considerations, and the choice often depends on individual preferences, medical history, and the severity of depression. Consulting with a mental health professional at Columbia Associates can provide personalized insights into which treatment may be more suitable.

How Columbia Associates Can Help

At Columbia Associates, we pride ourselves on offering mental health care with a focus on innovative treatment options. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatric professionals specialize in providing both esketamine and TMS therapies, allowing clients to access leading-edge care designed to meet their unique needs. We want to help our clients understand their options and support them every step of the way.

Call Columbia Associates Today for Help with Treatment-Resistant Depression

Choosing the right treatment for depression can be frustrating if you feel like you’ve tried everything. Let us help you. Whether you’re considering esketamine or TMS, understanding these therapies and how they may impact your unique mental health needs is what’s most important. Columbia Associates is dedicated to providing the necessary resources and expertise to help you make the best decision for your well-being.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.